Yolotl (pronounced ‘Yo’ ‘Lōt’), is a native word in the Nahuatl language from Central Mexico, meaning: ‘heart.’ Hence, the heart of authentic Mexican cuisine is an ideal blend of vibrant, healthy, and unassuming ingredients that result in delightful and savory dishes, each conveying a unique story infused with rich culture, history, and traditions handed down through many generations.
Based on 99 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.2 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ Delivery
Address:
13140 SE 172nd Ave #122, Happy Valley, OR 97089
Phone: (503) 855-4732
Hours
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Jennifer Schurter
Looking for something more than the “usual” Mexican fare where it seems like you get meat on some kind of tortilla? We were pleasantly surprised when we stopped in on a whim to Yolotl on a Sunday evening. The ambiance was fun and colorful but not gawdy in the least bit. Our server was attentive and kind, offering tastes of the various sauces they use in their menu so we could decide what we liked best. The menu had descriptions of the traditional Mexican dishes, which was a welcome change from the typical “enchilada, burrito, taco” choices you usually get. The food tastes like you were lovingly prepared a meal by someone’s abuela. Of note was the entomatadas and the Mar y Tierra fajita dish that had a perfect amount of spice. I tried a bite of my kid’s quesadilla and dang if it wasn’t also good (must be the cheese). Also tried a mezcal margarita for the first time and it was fresh and wonderful with a smoky finish. When we’re in the area again I would absolutely go back!
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McLarty Films
Bright colorful space serving fresh delicious authentic Mexican food with friendly service. I had the vegetarian Sope, chips n salsa, and the Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) for lunch today. Besides the restaurant and bar, I saw they host cultural events regularly and plan to go back!
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Kim Sordyl
My husband and I live in the city but have made the 40 minute drive here 3 times already because it is OUTSTANDING, authentic Mexican Cuisine every time. Our teen boys love it too. From the tacos to the soups to the mole… and the desserts… We have always had amazing food and service. The owner is always on site ensuring excellence. The atmosphere is also beautiful and traditional, reminding our son of a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta to a 50 year old favorite restaurant. Nice selection of tequilas and mezcals as well. The special events such as tequila tastings and music round out the dinners. You can’t find this quality or experience in Portland!
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Lisa A
This place is amazing! Excellent food, excellent service! I rarely leave reviews but I felt it necessary because this is a new business and they deserve all the praise!
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Yvonne Kochanowski
Great food, excellent house margaritas. Authentic house-made Mexican food with wonderful service. Shaded outdoor seating available – keeps things comfortable. (Probably a good thing the chairs aren’t a tad bit more comfy – we might have stayed even longer.) We’ll be back!
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Kc Johnson
Drinks are really tasty. The Cadillac is excellent.
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Jonathon Brogan
Excellent! Very great tasting and authentic food, great music and atmosphere. Service was amazing too! Definitely will be coming back.
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Diane Rivera
My companion highly recommended the birria. Not my favorite during these hot days.
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Karen M
We’ll be back!! Why? Because the food is great! Fresh made food & authentic flavours, most items are naturally gluten free & just plain delicious!
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Gabriel Martinez
Your fake praise by those that have no idea what you’re doing (“omg this tastes like it was made by an ‘abuela'”) is embarrassing. Yes this was made by an abuela in the kitchen that was paid less than minimum wage, just ask her or the owner. Keep misleading white americans. It is embarrassing that you think you represent Mexican culture or food. The owner is a racist “business” woman that only wants to exploit her Mexican people, Maria has told me herself her disdain for her own people. Take a look around. So compared to the pizza and sushi and wine, THIS is Mexican food at the same standard as your neighbors here in Happy Valley? Those that want true quality authentic Mexican are still forced to make the dish ourselves, do NOT be tricked by this fake, dirty, gross restaurant. I would strongly encourage anyone that can afford it to avoid this place and try actual Quality Mexican food, this Yolotl is a gross joke. Oh boy this place was quite shocking to me, and it has moved me to write this review. I truly wanted this place to be good. “A referent to Mexican Gastronomy” on their website is what drew me in, it sounded like they would have authentic cuisine and information about the dish, as some of the items they boast have documented history, such as the Tampiqueña (server had no idea the history behind this dish), and the Al Pastor style that is NOT authentically spit-grilled like they serve here (why call it Al Pastor?), or the Tikin Xic, which literally means “dry fish” in Yucatec Mayan, yet here at this restaurant it is chicken, and no staff can explain why, in fact one just told me I was misinformed. A quick google search can prov(Update: it would seem that reviews are not read, a copy paste response was immediately posted with nothing referencing my questions or comments. One thing they apologized for was my visit not meeting my expectations, but they did not apologize for building up these expectations by falsely presenting themselves, I only expected what they claimed, good Mexican food with history and culture.)e otherwise. I ordered the steak tacos to eat there and the Puebla Style tacos to go. The steak tacos were very small and not even comparable in flavor to the $2 street tacos in Tijuana where I used to live near and frequently dine. When they say authentic, this is where I expect to experience(Update: it would seem that reviews are not read, a copy paste response was immediately posted with nothing referencing my questions or comments. One thing they apologized for was my visit not meeting my expectations, but they did not apologize for building up these expectations by falsely presenting themselves, I only expected what they claimed, good Mexican food with history and culture.) this authenticity. My food was a little cold, and dry. The flavors were mostly salt. Keep in mind this was the steak tacos, other items may have been better. When the prices are this high, I expect better flavors, better ingredients, and an explanation of the dishes beyond what is in it, especially as a referent to Mexican Gastronomy. Staff was friendly but couldn’t help with any questions I had. It may be different now, but when I went the location was dusty, glasses were dirty. It didn’t seem like sanitation of dishes or staff hands was a priority. I must say as someone who shares a cultural background with this food in my own childhood home, I am somewhat insulted and also embarrassed at what this restaurant claims regarding authenticity and quality, there are some very nice representations of our Mexican cuisine and cleanliness at other places very nearby in Happy Valley. My Puebla Tacos were also bland and I think way too expensive for the size and quality. They have an auto-response which shows how much they care about reviews. . In time, this place will disappear thankfully. They did not apologize for building up these expectations by falsely presenting themselves, I only expected what they claimed, good Mexican food with history and culture.
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